Swedish-based spa consultancy Raison d’Etre has made a splash in the cruise ship sector by launching the first of three LivNordic spas as part of a deal with Viking Ocean Cruises

LivNodic, Raison d’Etre’s spa concept, opened on board the new Viking Star cruise ship in May and features one of the first snow rooms at sea.

Anna-Cari Gund, managing director at Raison d’Etre, says: “This is a relationship with a like-minded brand. Given Viking’s Scandinavian heritage is was a natural fit and it’s an opportunity for us to expand our spa concept at sea for the first time.”

Although Gund won’t reveal details of the deal, she does confirm that Raison d’Etre will be managing the spa and its 10 staff. The new cruise ship can hold up to 930 passengers and will travel around Europe.

LivNordic at sea spas are also planned for two further Viking cruise ships which are due to launch in 2016 and 2017.

The LivNordic spa concept has been inspired by Nordic wellness principles – especially its bathing rituals. Group spa manager Nora Forsberg explains: “In Scandinavian countries, we like to sit in the sauna for as long as we can before rolling around in the snow or making a hole in an ice-covered lake and pouring water over ourselves”. It’s then customary to complete the journey with a Swedish massage.

As such, the new spa on Viking Star has comprehensive hydrothermal area including heat experiences by Effegibi, plunge pools, hot tub and a saltwater pool. The snow room was installed by TechnoAplin which supplies snowmaking equipment to ski resorts around the world. The minimalist menu includes three types of Swedish massage, with a number of upgrades, and treatments by HydraFacial and The Organic Pharmacy.

The overall feel of the spa is light and airy, with a contemporary, natural design running throughout the rest of the facilities which include eight treatment rooms, a hair salon and barber’s shop.

Raison d’Etre launched the LivNordic concept in 2012 and can be franchised or licensed. Aside from the flagship spa at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden (see SB10/2 p54), another is due to open at the Cayan Tower in Dubai Marina towards the end of this year.

Raison d’Etre is owned by US investment firm Pegasus Capital Advisors, which also owns Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. See p46 for our interview with Pegasus’ Craig Cogut.